Small Town Murders Abound
Since we’ve published articles here on favorite new thrillers and their authors, recent romantic suspense writers, and even some location centered reviews, such as Florida and the Pacific Northwest, it seems quite appropriate to showcase “The Cozy” on its own as well.
If you love a good mystery, but want a break from the darker, more violent novels out there, I hope you have discovered these kinder, gentler mysteries.
There is a huge and growing variety out there for every taste. You can usually pick them out in a store by their detailed and darling book covers. Many of them feel like Richard scary for adults, there is so much to see on the designs.
Coffee lovers, bakeries, cupcake specialists, libraries, museums, inns, ghostly houses, quilters, knitters, small towns, dogs, cats,…seriously, if there is a hobby or an interest there is probably a cozy.
Can A Murder Story be Light?
There are rules for them, you know. No graphic violence (though you may find multiple murders). No explicit sex scenes (though innuendo and romance are quite often there). No animals will be harmed (though that doesn’t mean they don’t get into a lot of mischief).
The stories are known to be generally lighter, with a local ordinary citizen involving themselves in murder, whether the authorities want their help or not. Add to that, charming characters, often a love interest, quirky local residents to add more than a little color, and a mystery to solve.
When you enjoy all sorts of mystery suspense thrillers, it is a nice change to break it up with a lighter story now and then. Lighter doesn’t mean the story is without suspense. The stories generally include clever and complicated mysteries to solve.
We will start out with a few reviews we have done, then add to the list over time. There are so many to choose from. How can we resist such a challenge?
These selections are not in a particular order, just a variety that should be shared. Please let us know if you have a favorite to recommend.
The Murder Pit, by Jeff Shelby
A Moose River mystery is a name that caught my attention immediately. The image of a small mountain town always appeals. The Murder Pit turned was a fun selection. Daisy has recently married Jake Gardener, and moved into an old house that she fell in love with. Repairs and remodeling they expected, but not the dead body they find behind a hidden door in their basement.
Jake warns Daisy to stay out of it, to let the police handle it, but she can’t leave it alone. She has several suspects in mind, but if she doesn’t sort it out, she might be the next victim.
Murder on The Page, by Kennedy Chase
Two young ‘book finders’ add a new angle to this clever cozy series. While most private investigators search for a different sort of crime, these two search for missing books. As they begin their search, what they find instead is murder.
It’s very contemporary and very entertaining. The setting of Notting Hill adds to the story too.
Smokey Mountain Tracks, by Donna Ball
After a tragedy causes Raine to withdraw from search and rescue, everyone in the community knows to leave her alone. So when the deputy sheriff calls her in the middle of the night, she knows it must be urgent.
Can Raine and her young dog, Cisco, help rescue a child and find a killer? It will take a trust that Raine isn’t certain she possesses.
Murder of a Small Town Honey, by Denise Swanson
Scumble River…can you resist a name like that? It is what first drew me to check out the series. The first book in the series was the first book for the author too. She got off to a very good start.
Skye Dennison returns to her hometown—something she swore she would never do—to regroup after a couple of major life changers.
When a visiting host of a children’s TV show is murdered, her identity shocks the community. Seems to Skye there are many suspects, but the sheriff seems only interested in one—her brother.
Murder in The Mystery Suite, by Ellery Adams
Ellery Adams has several different cozy series, all of which sound entertaining. This one is the first in the Book Retreat series. An inn that holds retreats based on authors or genres..a good idea from the management of the inn to increase and predict revenue. A real murder was not intended to be a part of their event.
Manager, Jane Steward, is determined to learn which of her guests is a murderer.
On What Grounds, by Cleo Coyle
The Police say accident, but Clare knows there is more to it than that. Only one detective will listen to her. Together can they prove murder? Or will they become the next targets?
Click here to see the vast and wonderful selection.
As you can see there is such a fun variety. Recently I’ve seen one for Storage, Food Festivals, Do-It-Yourself, and Fixer Uppers too. I hope you will check them out. It’s even more fun to read when it is about a hobby you love.
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